1. What exactly is a digital nomad visa?

It is widely known that Greece is a beloved tourist destination but thanks to the new Law 4825/2021, announced by the Greek government in September of 2021, the country aspires to become much more than that. More specifically, Greece is now welcoming all non-EU citizens who meet specific criteria to live in the country as remote workers. Citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and the Schengen Area won’t be able to apply for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa.  It is important to clarify, that the DNV is available only for self-employed entrepreneurs with businesses established in other countries, freelancers with clients that do not come from Greece, as well as employees employed by companies outside of Greece. This means that during their stay in the country, the digital nomads are obliged by the Greek law not to engage in any economic activities for businesses or corporations within the country.

2. What are the required documents in order to obtain a DNV?

In order to obtain a DNV, the applicant has to gather both the DNV and the Type D Visa required documents, as stated below:

A) DNV required documents

  • Declaration letter by the person interested in obtaining the DNV that he/she intends to stay in Greece in order to work remotely and commits that he/she is not going to engage in economic activities for businesses or corporations within the country
  • i. If the person is a freelancer or an employee: employment contracts

ii. If the person is an entrepreneur with his own business: the necessary information concerning the business

  • Income of at least 3.500 € per month

i. 20% increase in the income requirement if bringing a spouse/partner

ii. 15% increase in the income requirement with each dependent family member

  • Proof of the minimum income
  • An application fee of 75 €

B) Greece Type D Visa required documents

  • Visa Application Form
  • Valid passport
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Health insurance
  • Clean criminal record certificate
  • Medical Certificate
  • A Return Flight Ticket, proving that the person plans to travel back to his/her home country after his/her stay. It’s not necessary to purchase an actual return ticket. Instead, a booking confirmation can be provided.

3. How long is the DNV valid for?

Once the DNV is successfully granted to the remote worker, it will be valid for 1 year (12 months).

3. A) Residence permit

After that, if the remote worker still meets the legal criteria, he/she can apply for a residence permit that lasts for 2 years. It is essential that this happens before the DNV expires. The residence permit can be renewed every 2 years and has to be submitted at the one-stop service of the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum. The applicant has to bear in mind that there is also an application fee of 1000 € for the interested person and one of 150 € for his/her family members. The probable absence from the country for a period of time, as long as it does not exceed the 6 months per year, does not mean that the residence permit cannot be renewed.

3. B) DNV Expiration

If the non-EU citizen departs from the country and the DNV has expired, there is a possibility to apply and obtain again a new DNV for the same purpose.

4. What is the procedure in order to apply for the DNV?

When the documents are gathered, the applicant has to submit them together with the visa application at his local Greek Embassy or Consulate. There are three ways to do so: i. in person, ii. Via email, iii. Via post to the registered address. After that, the embassy authorities will evaluate the application and the applicant should receive feedback within 10 days. Once the application is approved, the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum will issue the Greece Digital Nomad visa.

If the applicant is already in the territory of Greece, the application takes place at the one-stop service of the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

5. How long does it take for a DNV to be issued?

The government does not specify how long it will take for the visa to be issued. The expected time should be approximately 1 month. However, it may take less than 10 days for your DNV to be issued. It all depends on the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

6. Can the remote worker be accompanied by family members?

Surely. However, they have also to apply for a visa, that expires simultaneously with the remote worker’s visa. It is crucial that during their stay in Greece, the spouse or partner and generally the family members do not provide working services or engage in any economic activities within the country. The residence permit procedure must be followed by them as well.

By Georgia E. Patsidou, trainee lawyer of Makris Law Office, T: (+30) 6985070669 E: georgia@makrislawoffice.com

For any further information feel free to contact our office: T: (+30) 2103 644 677 | E: info@makrislawoffice.com

Our team will be happy to help you with your case!